It was a moment of disclosure with no holding back for celebrities and pastor at the first Nigeria live talk show hosted by Chude Jideonwo, tagged #WithChude Live.
The atmosphere was electric, and hearts were full as some of Nigeria’s iconic voices gathered under one roof for the first-ever live talk show, which attempted to challenge the norm in storytelling embedded in African culture, to provide healing, and raw human connection.
From students to celebrities, dignitaries to changemakers, the evening welcomed a diverse crowd, all gathered to witness a new kind of event experience, one that celebrated the power of stories to heal, connect, and transform.
However, one of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Chude read an excerpt from his anticipated memoir: ‘How Depression Saved My Life’, set to be released in September 2025.
The yet to the released book, offered an intimate glimpse into his personal journey of healing, hope, and triumph. “In fact, I should state that nothing really changed immediately after I came to my awakening.
“I didn’t become happier or stronger or anything. I don’t know if that’s what happens for anyone else, but that’s not what happened for me. I continued to be depressed, to all intents and purposes,” excerpt from the book read.
Jerry Eze, founder, Streams of Joy International and host of the daily online prayer session, New Season Prophetic, Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), disclosed how he transition from a well-paying job with the United Nations (UN) in Abuja, into starting a ministry in the eastern part of Nigeria.
According to him, the call to ministry was first raised by his mother, who insisted then that working with the UN was not God’s plan for his life. “My mom kept saying that was not what God told me. So, half of the time, if I have to travel to go to work, I won’t tell her.
“Because she would always come up to say, when I was praying last night, the Lord told me, the Lord said this. I was so sure that it was one of those things. But the day my mom died was when reality set in.”
The televangelist also disclosed that he had a personal encounter with God but wasn’t ready for the uncertainty associated with it. “We were very poor. I wanted to fix poverty first. Then, I can now go and answer the call of God.
“I knew I had my personal encounters about ministry. That is what I was used to. But I just wanted to fix all that at first,” Eze said.
Speaking on what inspired the New Season Prophetic, Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD) into the global movement that it has become, Eze disclosed that the online prayer session started to encourage people during COVID.
Read also: #WithChude Live to provide safe spaces for thought-provoking emotions
According to him, the prayer session did not have a name when it got started, stating that the name NSPPD was an afterthought. “I was just encouraging. But as it went from one day to another, I realized that the world needed prayer. It was so touching. To be honest, I didn’t have a plan.
“It was after a while, we said, this thing we are doing, what’s the meaning? Let’s put a name to this thing. I didn’t know that people can be famous by praying,” he said.
Funke Akindele, filmmaker, on her part disclosed going into politics was an eye opener to her and that she was better off going into politics.” I’m glad I went to politics and ask myself, am I going to do it again? Oh yes,” she said.
She disclosed that her passion and concern for young creatives prompted her into wanting to be a changemaker. According to her, she learnt more about her state and country through politics, and was also able to develop her public speaking art.
“I wanted to make a change, I wanted to be part of that change; I wanted to do something for the young people, for women and their children. I’m very particular about that when I was going in,” Akindele said.
Speaking about her trajectory in the movie industry, Akindele said that she gives her all into everything she gets involved with as an extremist. “It’s a lot of hard work. Hard work, pre-production, production, post-production, marketing before we can become the highest-grossing film. You just have to keep putting it in their faces.”
Akindele disclosed that movie makers and other promoters should pay more attention to their marketing and promotional drive. She insisted that filmmakers should do everything within their power to promote their movie.
“There’s nothing like my job will speak for itself. Before the job can speak for itself, you need to bring it out. You have to encourage people to watch. So when they watch, they will go back to tell others, you need to see this film.
“When you watch me market, people will be like, why is she always dancing? You know, this is what I love doing. I’ve got a passion for dancing. I love to dance. It’s a God-given talent. And anything to sell my market, to put my content out there, for everyone to love it, to watch it, anything positive, I will do it,’ Akindele disclosed.
Celebs unite at #WithChude Live
The debut edition of the live show also featured writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, rapper and activist Falz, gospel singer Moses Bliss, and Teni the Entertainer. The panel lists also included filmmaker and actress Ruth Kadiri, celebrated creative Hauwa Lawal, comedian Bovi, and media personality Kiekie, all baring their hearts out.
From intimate storytelling to thought-provoking conversations, each guest offered a window into their soul. “If pain and pain jam, there is no gain,” Bovi disclosed as he recounted his personal encounter with father and lessons in parenting.
Falz, known for his bold social commentary, opened up on a rarely discussed aspect of fame, love and relationships. “It’s incredibly tough to have a healthy love life and be in entertainment,” he shared, striking a chord with fans who have followed his journey over the years.
In another poignant moment, Chimamanda Adichie broke barriers by discussing a topic often kept behind closed doors, surrogacy. “I want more women to feel less ashamed of talking about reaching motherhood through non-traditional means,” she said.
Her vulnerability challenged societal norms and gave voice to women navigating similar paths in silence.
A panel, which included Teni, Taaooma, and Kiekie, took the stage to share unfiltered stories about their personal journeys, touching on fame, burnout, and the ongoing pursuit of authenticity.
Their candour was met with laughter, nods, and moments of stillness as the audience connected with the realities behind their public personas. “Music is my passion,” Teni told the audience.
Later, Ruth Kadiri, Hauwa Lawal, and Moses Bliss offered a different, equally moving perspective, reflecting on the role of faith, the search for purpose, and the importance of mental wellness. Their heartfelt words brought fresh insight into the strength it takes to live fully and truthfully in the spotlight.
The turnout, soul-stirring atmosphere, and the power of shared vulnerability positioned #WithChude Live not just as a one-time event, but as a cultural moment. It has set a new benchmark for what live experiences in Africa can be: honest, meaningful, and deeply human.
About WithChude
WithChude.com is a subscription podcast and video-on-demand over-the-top streaming service hosting films, series, podcasts, documentaries, interviews, events and blogs from Africa – that strengthen the mind, the heart, and the spirit.
It has emerged as the only independent media platform in the region depending primarily on paid subscribers. Africa’s streaming platform, inspired by a singular voice.
The flagship interview show from which the platform sprung is always going viral for speaking to Africa’s biggest celebrities in conversations that strengthen mental, emotional and spiritual health.
It is widely syndicated across terrestrial television and social media platforms, reaching an average of 8 million people weekly – positioning it as the most watched and most syndicated weekly talk show (digital + traditional) in the region.
